Comparative study of plant extracts vs. antibiotics on hospital organisms.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: A comparative study on the effect of plant extracts with the antibiotics on organisms of hospital origin
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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Dr. M. Thangavel, Meera Raveendran, M. Kathirvel
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: A comparative study on the effect of plant extracts with the antibiotics on organisms of hospital origin
Year: 2006
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The increasing efficiency of plant-derived drugs and the rising interest in natural products have led to a surge in the scientific exploration of medicinal plants for their antimicrobial properties. Despite the notable effectiveness of conventional antibiotics, issues such as drug resistance due to misuse have prompted a search for alternative treatments sourced from nature. This study examines the antimicrobial activity of various plant extracts against different hospital-origin organisms, highlighting the potential of these extracts to serve as alternatives to conventional antibiotics, especially in the context of antibiotic-resistant infections.
Efficacy of Plant Extracts Against Bacterial Pathogens
The study evaluated 35 plant extracts from different families, finding that about 43% exhibited antimicrobial activity. Notably, leaf extracts from several plants, including Azadirachta indica, Garadenia jasminoides, and Tabermontana coronaria, demonstrated significant inhibition against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. For instance, Tabermontana coronaria showed a maximum inhibition zone of 24 mm against Staphylococcus aureus, whereas Mentha piperita yielded 22 mm against E. coli. The results indicate that, in some cases, the antimicrobial activity of the plant extracts matched or exceeded that of conventional antibiotic treatments such as amikacin and chloramphenicol, particularly against Corynebacterium diphtheriae and Vibrio cholerae, suggesting their potential as effective therapeutic agents.
Conclusion
The findings of this study underscore the significance of plant extracts as viable alternatives to conventional antibiotics in combating bacterial infections, particularly in light of the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance. While many plant extracts exhibited considerable antibacterial properties, further studies are needed to isolate their active compounds and understand their mechanisms of action. Promoting the research and development of these natural products could enhance the arsenal of treatments available against resistant bacterial pathogens, contributing to more sustainable healthcare solutions.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the main objective of the study on plant extracts?
The study aimed to evaluate and compare the antibacterial potential of various crude leaf extracts from plants against selected pathogens with standard antibiotics currently in use to address antibiotic resistance.
Which plants exhibited the highest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus?
Tabermontana coronaria showed the highest activity with a zone of inhibition measuring 24 mm against Staphylococcus aureus, while Mentha piperita demonstrated similar effects but varied against other bacteria.
How were the plant extracts prepared for the study?
Fresh matured leaves were collected, washed, minced, and crushed with sterile distilled water. The mixture was then filtered to obtain the leaf extract, which was stored at 4°C until use.
What were the methods used to assess antibacterial activity?
The well diffusion method was used to measure the antibacterial activity of plant extracts against pathogens. The efficacy of these extracts was then compared with that of commercially available antibiotics using the disc diffusion method.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Comparative study of plant extracts vs. antibiotics on hospital organisms.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Activity:
Activity refers to the effectiveness of plant extracts or antibiotics in inhibiting or killing bacteria. In the context of the study, it describes how well these substances hinder the growth of various pathogens, indicating the potential of natural compounds as alternative antimicrobial agents in treating infections, especially those resistant to conventional antibiotics.
2) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial refers to the property of a substance to combat bacterial infections. In the research, the term highlights the potential of various plant extracts in limiting bacteria's growth, demonstrating their importance in developing alternative treatments and addressing the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in clinical settings.
3) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. This study emphasizes the use of plant-derived substances as medicinal agents, linking traditional herbal remedies with contemporary scientific methods. It reveals the historical context of herbal medicine and the need for further research in modern therapeutic applications.
4) Emblica officinalis:
Emblica officinalis, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a plant known for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The results show its effectiveness against specific bacteria, reinforcing the role of traditional plants in medical therapies. This underscores the relevance of continuing to study such plants for their potential health benefits and pharmaceutical applications.
5) Drug:
A drug is a substance used to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure a disease. In this study, both synthetic antibiotics and natural plant extracts are scrutinized for their antimicrobial properties. The exploration of plant-derived drugs suggests a need for innovative solutions to combat bacterial infections, particularly in light of rising antibiotic resistance.
6) Citrus limon:
Citrus limon, or lemon, is a plant noted for its antimicrobial properties. The study cites its effectiveness against various pathogens, illustrating the importance of familiar plants in traditional medicine. Its inclusion demonstrates how everyday botanicals can offer significant health benefits, reinforcing the need for research into their pharmacological potential.
7) Water:
Water is the solvent used in the extraction of plant materials in the study. The extraction process involves washing and purifying the leaves before grinding them. Water solvent facilitates the solubility of bioactive compounds, crucial for evaluating the antimicrobial activity of plant extracts against selected bacteria.
8) Cita:
Sida refers to Sida cordifolia, a plant with recognized medicinal qualities. The study highlights its effectiveness against Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Its inclusion in the research validates the potential of lesser-known plants in herbal medicine, supporting the ongoing need to explore their therapeutic properties for developing new antibacterial treatments.
9) Science (Scientific):
Scientific pertains to the systematic methodologies and approaches employed in the study. It highlights the importance of evidence-based research in validating the antimicrobial properties of plant extracts, advancing knowledge in pharmacology and medicine, and aiding in the discovery of novel treatments for bacterial infections and drug-resistant pathogens.
10) Azadirachta indica:
Azadirachta indica, or neem, is celebrated for its medicinal properties. The study examines its antibacterial effects, reinforcing its relevance in traditional and modern medicine. Its potential effectiveness against bacterial pathogens highlights the importance of exploring indigenous plants for developing new antimicrobial agents to combat antibiotic resistance.
11) Allium sativum:
Allium sativum, or garlic, is noted for its wide range of health benefits, including antibacterial properties. The study cites its efficacy against certain pathogens, reflecting the historical use of garlic in medicine. This underscores the need for continued investigation into the therapeutic potential of commonly used culinary herbs.
12) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the analysis and interpretation of findings from the study. It evaluates the efficacy of plant extracts compared to antibiotics, placing results in context with existing literature. This section is vital for understanding the implications of the research, guiding future studies in antimicrobial applications and plant-based medicines.
13) Substance:
Substance refers to the material, in this case, plant extracts and antibiotics, evaluated for their antibacterial properties. The study investigates these substances' effectiveness against various pathogens, emphasizing the significance of understanding the chemical and biological aspects contributing to their antimicrobial efficacy in developing treatment options for infections.
14) Misuse:
Misuse pertains to the inappropriate or incorrect use of antibiotics leading to resistance. The study identifies the issues surrounding conventional antibiotic use and highlights the necessity for alternative antimicrobial solutions from plants. This awareness is crucial for developing collaborative approaches in combating the public health challenge of drug-resistant infections.
15) Sugar:
Sugar often refers to the simple carbohydrates that can be fermented by bacteria, contributing to various diseases. In the research context, sugar's role signifies the biochemical tests evaluated for the microbial isolates. Understanding bacterial sugar fermentation provides insights into their metabolism and pathogenicity, crucial for developing effective treatments.
16) Ulcer:
Ulcer is a term for open sores that can occur in various body parts, sometimes caused by bacterial infection. The study indirectly relates to ulcers by linking plant antimicrobial activity to treatments that could manage infections leading to such conditions. This emphasizes the importance of continuous research in botanical medicine for healing purposes.
17) Guru:
Guru refers to Sree Narayana Guru College, which is associated with the study. The mention signifies the academic institution’s involvement in research on medicinal plants, contributing to the body of knowledge in microbiology and pharmacology. This affiliation highlights the importance of educational institutions in promoting research and advancements in herbal medicine.
18) Rice (Ṛce):
Rice is mentioned in the context of research studies examining plant extracts' effects on pathogens like the brown leaf spot disease affecting rice. This analogy demonstrates the broader implications of studying antimicrobial properties, as they can directly impact agricultural practices and food security, emphasizing the necessity for interdisciplinary research.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Comparative study of plant extracts vs. antibiotics on hospital organisms.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Antibiotic, Herbal remedies, Herbal medicine, Antimicrobial activity, Zone of inhibition, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Gram positive bacteria, Gram negative bacteria, Antibiotic resistance, Mueller Hinton Agar, E. coli, Plant Extract, Biochemical test, Leaf extract, BIOPHARMACEUTICALS, Biopharmaceutical proteins, Vibrio cholerae, Corynebacterium diphtheriae.